Soldier first female chaplain in 25 years

Photo By Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond | Air Force Lt. Col. Jamie White pins new insignia to the uniform of his wife, Army Maj. Angela White, during an appointment ceremony in Frankfort, Ky., Feb. 21, 2014. Maj. White is the first female chaplain with the Kentucky Guard in 25 years. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
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FRANKFORT, KY, UNITED STATES

02.21.2014

FRANKFORT, Ky. - Angela White knew at a young age she wanted to wear a uniform and serve her country. So one day when she saw a Marine Corps recruiter at her high school in Montana, she walked up and said she wanted to enlist. The recruiter told her no.

Twenty-five years later, White was sworn in as a major and the second female chaplain in the Kentucky National Guard during an appointment ceremony in Frankfort, Ky., Feb. 21.

It has been more than 25 years since a female has served as a chaplain in the Kentucky Guard. A fact White says contributes to the idea that things happen for a reason.

"I was called to join the military," she said. "God has healed me in so many ways. God revealed to me my way, this is what I was meant to do. If you feel called by God, He will make a way for you. It's the truth. And Kentucky is a fine place to be as a woman in the chaplaincy."

White never understood why the Marines didn't even give her a chance. She would later walk to a recruiting station and into the Air Force office. After several years of service as a bomber mechanic, then an Army nurse, the adventurous mother of two began her next chapter in uniform.

"I was off on an adventure when I wanted to be a Marine, and it was exciting to work on big aircraft, and I've always cared about people, so that was the nursing step. Now I'm off on an adventure with people I care about," she said, trying to make sense of her own career steps. "The military life is a challenge, we all have an adventurous spirit, and God loves that."

White said the path to becoming a chaplain was challenging, but credits her family's support as her driving force, recalling the constant encouragement she received from them.

"My husband is my biggest fan. My daughter would put little notes in my bags when I left for training that said, 'Mommy, you're going to do great!' I keep one of those in my wallet today," White said.

White is married to Kentucky Air Guardsman, Lt. Col. Jamie White, a pilot with the 123rd Airlift Wing.

"We're so proud of her," said Jamie. "She has accomplished a lot, she's always been on the edge in the military, never being afraid of a job, and she's been preparing for this for the past twenty five years."

The family of four now resides in Shelbyville, Ky., where White serves as liturgist, Sunday School Director, and also as a peer counselor at a local pregnancy resource center for single and low-income mothers.

She will serve as chaplain for the 1204th Aviation Support Battalion in Burlington, Ky. Maj. Bill Draper, 63rd Theater Aviation Brigade chaplain, said White is just who the Kentucky Guard needs to serve in such capacity.

"Chaplain Angie White's prior experience as an active duty enlisted airman, soldier and officer will help her build solid relationships with Soldiers and staff members alike," said Draper. "This will enable her to provide religious support that is both intentional and genuine."

Lt. Col. Yong Cho, state chaplain for the Kentucky Guard swore White in during the ceremony and said it was a good day for the Guard. Cho also spoke of White's unique background and how it will help her in the future.

"All of the chaplains are happy for her and her family today, it has been a faithful road for her," said Cho. "Chaplain White's skills and military service will only enhance her ministry and she will bring diversity to the Chaplain Corps."

White is glad that she has accomplished her newest challenge and doesn't concern herself with the minority aspect of her position, just the way forward.

"I'm so excited today, it's finally here, to start this journey, but there are a lot of great female chaplains out there, maybe it just wasn't the right time here," she said. "It may be nice to hear that I'm the first in a long time, but this is about being a chaplain, being part of a family and working with soldiers."

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NEWS INFO

Date Taken:

02.21.2014

Date Posted:

03.12.2014 16:11

Story ID:

121907

Location:

FRANKFORT, KY, US

Hometown:

SHELBYVILLE, KY, US

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This work, Soldier first female chaplain in 25 years, by SSG Scott Raymond, identified by DVIDS, is free of known copyright restrictions under U.S. copyright law.